An Islamic leader, Shewu Hussain-Eniiya and scholar, Sheikabdlai Mudathir have called on Muslims to tolerate people regardless of their religious and ethnic affiliations.
The duo also appealed to Muslims to maintain peace and love in their immediate environments rather than discriminating against denominations.
Eniiya, who is the Olori Musulumi of Ede land, was the special guest at the 2017 special Moludnabiyu prayer at Morubo Central mosque, Ibadan.
He urged Muslims to follow the footsteps of Muhammad in whatever they do.
Tagged: “Babalamule’s day and 2017 Moludnobiyu celebration”, the prayer was attended by the Islamic leaders in Osun and Oyo states.
Eniiya said: “It is pertinent to know that as servants of God, we need to follow our leader Muhammad’s closely.
“Therefore, we need to love our neighbors regardless of their religion.
“We also need to tolerate then and maintain peace with them. I also want to implore our people to learn from one of our leaders, Babalamule who live his life for God.”
The guest lecturer, Sheikabdlai Mudathir, said demonstration of love and peace are the primary reasons Muslims worship God.
He said if Muslims tolerate one another, the level of poverty will be reduced drastically.
“The primary reason we worship God is love and peace. If we learn to love and tolerate ourselves, there won’t be much poverty in the country,” he stated.
Tag: Muslims
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Clerics preach peace, tolerance among Muslims
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Group kicks against Jerusalem pilgrimage for Muslims
A group, Christian Vanguard, has described the approval of Muslims for Jerusalem pilgrimage by Lagos State Government as unacceptable.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, informed weeks ago that the approval was to enable Muslims visit the third holiest mosque in the city.
Abdul-Lateef had said: “We also urge Muslims that from this month, we will be accommodating Muslims who intend to visit Jerusalem because Jerusalem is home to the third holiest Mosque.”
But Christian Vanguard said the approval was inciting and provoking.
In a statement by its president, Pastor Deji Adebayo, the group said allowing Muslims to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem amounts to “stoking religious fire.”
It said: “Lagos State has enjoyed religious harmony because everyone is allowed to practise his/her faith without favour or harassment.
“This recent approval is a threat to that longstanding peace. Everyone should practise his or her religion without meddlesomeness or government’s tactic support.
“Why are Muslims interested in going to Jerusalem? Are they not pleased going to Saudi Arabia alone?
“Will Christians also be allowed to go on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to return the favour or Muslims will claim it is a Holy Land?
“If Mecca is a Holy Land, so is Jerusalem. It is a Christian land and only Christians should embark on pilgrimage there.
“To say Muslims can now go there is sacrilegious and unacceptable. We wonder what they would like to do there.
“It is known worldwide that Muslims only go to Mecca for pilgrimage. How it was agreed that they can now go to Jerusalem is suspicious.”
The group called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to order his officials to rescind the approval.
The governor, it said, should not be misled by religious bigots to formulate policies that will hamper religious peace in the land.
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Muslims, Christians, pray for Buhari in Taraba
Muslim and Christian faithful in Taraba on Saturday held a special prayer for the speedy recovery of President Mohammadu Buhari, who is on medical vacation in the United Kingdom.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that followers of the two religions held the prayers at the Jalingo Eid prayer ground.
Speaking at the occasion, representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Baba Yerima , said praying for the well-being of Buhari was the duty of every “true believer”.
He noted that the President had brought peace and unity to the country, and therefore urged the gathering to pray for leaders at all times.
Ustaz Ali Babando , a Muslim cleric, said the President had been doing his best in tackling the country’s socio-economic challenges.
He noted that it was in the interest of Nigerians to keep praying for Buhari, to enable him return home to consolidate on the fight against terror and corruption.
Alhaji Sani Tullu, Secretary, Taraba Chapter, Buhari Support Organisation(BSO), said the BSO had organised prayer and rally in honour of the President whom he described as a visionary leader.
“We salute the giant strides and landmark achievement of Buhari’s administration in his efforts to reposition the country.
“We are particularly impressed with the performance of the administration in anti-corruption fight, decimating insurgents, revitalising Agriculture, Education and Health sectors,” he said. (NAN) -
Emir of Kano urges Muslims to unite
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, has urged Muslims to unite and eschew hatred.
The emir, who is also the national president general, Jama’at Faedat Tijjaninniya of Nigeria, spoke yesterday in Ilorin at the inauguration of the Kwara State chapter of Ansarrudeen Attijanniyya society.
Sanusi, who was represented by the National Secretary-General of the society, Sayyidi Yahaya, said Islam was not by show-off, but by adherents having a clear understanding and practicing its tenets.
“Do not hate; Islam is not by hating others. Our mission is to propagate peace, unity and togetherness,” he said.
According to him, the objective of the society is to become the most peaceful group in Nigeria and bring out the best of humanity in people.
The emir urged members to integrate to develop the society.
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I didn’t ask Christians to kill Muslims, says cleric
The General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has denied inciting Christians to kill Muslims.
The cleric’s purported statement was said to have been responsible for an attempt by some officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest him at a hotel in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.
Addressing reporters yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, where he is holding a four-day open air crusade, Suleman maintained that he never incited Christians to go after Muslims.
He said he only advised Christians to defend themselves if their places of worship were attacked by gunmen.
Insisting he was quoted out of context, the cleric said it was sinful for anyone to order a fellowman to kill a creation of God, describing the alleged comment as a misrepresentation of facts.
He said: “They said I preached in Auchi two weeks ago and implied that I was instigating Christians against Muslims.
“I have always been an advocate of peace and I can’t stay around and say such.
‘There are widows, orphans we take care of. No shepherd will see his sheep being killed and be happy.
“I have gotten anonymous calls from Fulani herdsmen about what I said.
‘What I said was that, if gunmen attack churches, you must defend yourself, but if they come to pray, don’t attack.
“But I was quoted out of context. I am not stupid, I live among the crowd and I am not senseless. Time for self defence has come. Whether you are a Muslim or Christian, someone can’t just come to your house and kill your children and you will keep quiet.
“I said Christians must not go after them, but if they come after us, then defend yourself. This is what they twisted. I have heard different versions of the story.
“I was in Abuja for three days why didn’t they come after me. But now that I am in Ekiti, they want to lump me up with a man they think is against them. It would have been easier to pick me up in Abuja, I don’t live here.
“I can present the video of my preaching. I have always preached that youths must not kill.
“It was wrong for the police or any security agency to come around me without any verifiable facts.”
The cleric threatened to sue the DSS, if the agency didn’t apologise within 24 hours.
Suleman said he would claim exemplary damages for the politically motivated moves against him.
He said the DSS’ action was a breach of his rights.
His threat was contained in a January 25 letter to the agency through his lawyer, Olayiwola Afolabi.
Church members denied that Suleman ordered them to kill herdsmen.
They said his statement on January 15 was directed to his security detail, which included policemen and not church members.
Head Pastor in Edo State Pastor Azemhe Azena said Suleman did not incite members but only told his security detail to defend him in case of any attack.
Speaking at a briefing in Benin City, Azena said the general overseer was not a criminal that should be intimidated from speaking the truth.
“Apostle Johnson Suleman is not facing any corruption charge neither is there any petition against him.
“The attempted arrest being masterminded by the Presidency against him is unconstitutional, wrong and defective.”
The Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) has cautioned DSS against arresting Suleman.
It said it did not want the DSS or the Federal Government to be drawn into a religious battle.
Its Deputy Director Blessing Agbomhere said any attempt to arrest Suleman could cause setback for the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
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Muslims group to Fed Govt: tackle economic recession
The Muslims Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Federal Government to lead other tiers of government to initiate programmes that will take the country out of economic recession and hardship.
It spoke through a communique issued by its National President Alhaji Sulaimon Alabi Yusuf and Publicity Secretary Alhaja Nurat Adebayo after the association’s National Executive Council meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The association advised the Federal Government to increase efforts to provide storage for excess agricultural products from the country’s envisaged bumper harvest, stressing that “obviously, this will serve as a buffer stock”.
MAN implored the National Assembly to carefully and urgently consider the 2017 budget proposal , which, it said, the Federal Government should consciously implement as soon as it is passed and approved by the legislature.
It reminded the government of the urgency to implement the planned social security scheme for the country’s poor population.
The group hailed the government for its concerted efforts in addressing the menace of Boko Haram group, particularly in the Northeast.
“The Federal Government must address other threats to national security such as abduction for ransom, kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robbery and brigandage, among others, with the deserved seriousness,” MAN said.
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Eid-el-Maulud: Saraki, Dogara, Ambode, others felicitate with Muslims
•Nigerians urged to pray for unity, peace, love
Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade yesterday led other eminent citizens in felicitating with Muslims on Eid-el-Maulud celebration.
They urged Muslims to imbibe the injunctions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which teaches humility, gratitude and charity towards one another as well as pray for unity, peace, love, harmony and mutual co-existence.
Saraki, who spoke in a statement to mark this year’s birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, urged Nigerians to, irrespective of their faith, seize the opportunity to practice Prophet Muhammad’s precepts of piety, tolerance, justice and peaceful co-existence in effort to overcome the current national challenges.
“With the economic hardship in the country, there is no better time in applying the teachings of the holy Prophet on how to live a life of simplicity, charity and lending a helping hand to the needy in our midst,” Saraki said.
Dogara urged the Muslim faithful to use the occasion to imbibe and promote the virtues of humility, love, peace, harmony and mutual co-existence, which the prophet exemplified.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said this year’s Eid-el-Maulud comes just a couple of weeks before the end of the year 2016, hence Muslims and all Nigerians should seize the opportunity to offer special prayers for the unity, progress and prosperity of Nigeria to overcome its economic challenges.
Ambode called on Muslims to offer special prayers for greater peace, unity and continuous progress of Nigeria.
The governor, in a statement yesterday signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, enjoined Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet by promoting peaceful existence.
Ambode urged Nigerians to shun ethnic, political and religious differences and work towards building a safer and better Nigeria, adding that the celebration of the birth of the Prophet should renew the faith and bond of unity as one people and one nation, irrespective of diversity.
“On the occasion of the commemoration of the birth of the holy Prophet, it is imperative to reflect on his teachings and uphold his legacies of unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence and love for one’s neighbour, which are indispensable in our quest for meaningful development and the profitable management of our diversity,” he said.
He urged Muslim to internalise the virtues of honesty, selflessness, charity, tolerance, good neighbourliness, justice, equity and fairness which Mohammed (PBOH) preached, saying such will go a long way to engender national development.
Ayade enjoined Muslims to use the occasion to preach and show love to one another.
In his goodwill message signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, Ayade said: “May this wonderful occasion of the birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammed bring about love, peace and prosperity to our beloved country, Nigeria. As we celebrate the holy Prophet’s birthday, your prayer for the peace and unity of our dear country is needed now more than ever before.
Urging Nigerians to rally round President Muhammadu Buhari to pull the country out of the recession, Ayade said: “As committed faithful, let us harness our creative energies, our love for one another towards the development of the country by aligning with our President, Muhammadu Buhari, to help Nigeria pull through recession”
Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa called for increased love and more understanding among Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliation for a peaceful co-existence and growth of the country.
Obasa said the country would keep growing if the citizens display love and understanding among themselves and to the government.
He said: “The Prophet was a man of peace and he shared the message of love and peace through the religion of Islam throughout his life time. He showed understanding for the various faiths and beliefs in Madinah during his lifetime and he never discriminated against any religion, groups or persons during his life, “we should emulate and imbibe these qualities from the Holy Prophet so that our country will continue to grow”.
The immediate past Abia State Governor and the senator representing Abia Central, Theodore Orji, has urged Muslims to use the Eid-El-Maulud period to pray for ideas that will make Nigeria a global brand worthy of celebration.
Orji said such supplication, when granted by Allah, would earn the country and the citizenry respect and position among the leading countries of the world.
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‘I won’t marginalise Muslims’
Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured the Muslim community that his administration will be beneficial to them.
Akeredolu said Muslims will be involved in his government.
The APC candidate spoke at the Nasarudeen Central Mosque, Araromi, Akure.
He said religious leaders will be respected and recognised in his administration.
Akeredolu said although he is a Christian, he is close to Muslim leaders.
He said pupils will be taught subjects in line with their faith.
The grand mufti of the Muslim community, Sheik Surajudeen Batuta, said the community wants abandoned projects completed.
He said abandoning projects initiated by previous administrations has been the bane of development in the state.
The grand mufti noted that Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s successor must not play politics.
The cleric also demanded that governments should recognised and involved them in the scheme of things like the traditional rulers.
He noted that there must be peaceful atmosphere, during and after the election, adding that the muslim community in the state will never be involved any violence act.
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APC in Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo felicitate with Muslims
THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Ekiti and Ondo states have felicitated with Muslims on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
A statement signed by the party’s spokesman in Lagos State, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, urged the Muslim faithful to emulate the Holy Prophet Muhammed by imbibing the spirit of sacrifice, humility, love and service to humanity.
“No time is better to pray, support and encourage our leaders to rededicate themselves to greater service than now when Nigeria is passing through a difficult time. We take solace that tough times never last, but tough people do. Nigeria will be great again, Insha Allah.
“We are happy that even in this period of recession, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is getting it right in Lagos through dint of hard work, discipline, robust, focused leadership and power of constructive engagement.
“Today, Lagos has become the pride of Nigeria, a destination and the fastest growing economy in West Africa sub region. No wonder experts said Lagos economy is now more important to Nigeria than an oil economy.”
The APC in Ekiti urged the citizenry to reflect on the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir and used the significance of the season to build a better relationship with God so that the country can overcome its economic challenges.
It congratulated Muslims on the celebration of Ed-el-Kabir.
The party said the opportunity to celebrate this year’s Sallah is through the grace of Allah.
It urged the faithful to spend their holiday to offer prayers to build better relationship with God for more blessings to celebrate more of Ed-el-Kabir holidays on earth.
In a statement by its deputy chairman, Chief Kemi Olaleye, the party said: “This season is about moving closer to God through obedience to His words and an abiding faith in His love for us.
“At a period like this when everything seems hopeless on account of the nation’s tottering economy, we must pray to God for mercy to enable us overcome the current challenges.”
Ondo APC Publicity Secretary Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya welcomed Muslims to the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah, urging them to use this year’s Eid-El-Kabir to pray for Nigeria’s greatness and oneness.
The statement appealed to Nigerians to be more united, loyal and committed to the country’s growth and also shelve any personal agenda that might derail its unity.
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Ooni charges Muslims to pray for economy stability
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on the Muslims to use 2016 Eid-el Kabir celebration to pray for economy stability, peace and harmony in Nigeria.
Ogunwusi made the call in his Sallah message to the Muslims in Ile Ife, Osun, on Monday.
The monarch said that all the challenges facing the nation would not last and that there would be an end to it soonest.
The Ooni appealed to all Nigerians to endure and persevere as Prophet Mohammed did.
While thanking God for making the faithful witnessed another celebration, the Oba urged all and sundry to embrace peaceful coexistence across the country.
He said that 2016 Eid-el-Kabir was worth celebration describing Islam as a religion of peace.
An Islamic cleric, Alhaji Abud-Samii Abdul-Hamid, in a message also called Nigerians to embrace Allah, saying “vanity upon vanity, all is vanity”.
Abdul-Hamid made the call while offering prayer marking 2016 Eid-el-Kabir celebration at Ile-Ife Central Eid-Prayer ground.
He said that “death is inevitable, adding “we all came to the world one day, we will leave one day.
“We brought nothing to the world, nothing shall be taking away, naked we all came and all will leave naked.”
The cleric admonished all to be well behaved, assuring that all would give account of his/her deeds before the throne of judgment.
Abdul-Hamid enjoined all and sundry to always fulfill their promises to Allah and humanity, stressing this would contribute to smoothness of Nigeria economy and successful tenure for leadership.
He said that celebration of Eid-el-Kabir commemorates the willingness of the Prophet to sacrifice his son as an act of submission to God’s command, before Angel Gabriel intervened for a ram.
The Islamic cleric enjoined all to emulate the Prophet, who dedicated himself to obedience, faithfulness, dedication, selfless service and love when alive.
Also, a former Osun Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun, called on all to totally submit to the Almighty God.
He enjoined children to be obedient to their parents.